Australia vs West Indies – Dream11 Prediction: Defending champions Australia are back in action after a triumphant start to their 2019 World Cup campaign as they face the formidable West Indies in what could be one of the standout matches of the season
Team News:
Australia
Australia had spoken about Nathan Lyon as an option when they come up against a team dominated by left-handers. And with the likes of Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran in the top five, this might well be their chance to test their off-spin option. The small square boundaries and the West Indian left-hander’s tendency to swing towards the on-side – except the more classical Bravo – should be a good enough reason to pick Lyon over Adam Zampa, who did concede 20 runs in an over to the left-handed Najibullah Zadran in Bristol. But Australia haven’t been keen on tinkering with their bowling options of late especially when it comes to their spin department in ODIs.
Probable XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Glen Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa/Nathan Lyon
West Indies
There were some question marks about Gayle and Russell after the Pakistan game, but the duo was seen having lengthy stints in the nets on Wednesday. Russell was among the first out as his teammates went through their warm-up routines, and he then spent nearly half-hour striking balls. Gayle walked out announcing, “The Universe Boss has arrived” to the slew of photographers assembled under the dressing-room before padding up, putting on his headgear and occupying the nets for nearly 40 minutes. He then walked to the centre of the ground and went through some visualisation routines all by himself before walking over to the net on the far side for another hit. He then also was seen rolling his arm over for a few minutes, and considering he hasn’t faced Australia in since his unceremonious exit from the Big Bash, beware Australia.
Probable XI: Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Andre Russell, Jason Holder (c), Carlos Brathwiate, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas
Australia vs West Indies Dream11 Tips and Tricks
Wicketkeeping: It will be a tricky choice to pick between the two solid keepers – Shai Hope and Nicolas Pooran. But Hope’s ability and experience against the top teams will give him a slight edge over young and talented Pooran.
Batting: The likes of David Warner, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyeri, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell are enough to instill fear in the minds of opposition bowlers. These batters can easily walk into any fantasy XI in the world.
Bowling: Rated as genuine wicket-takers in any form of cricket – Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins are a necessity for any fantasy team in the world. Along with them, one of Sheldon Cottrell or Oshane Thomas should suffice in rounding off the fantasy team.
All-Rounder: For their big-hitting abilities and a knack for picking up crucial scalps at important stages – Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell are must-have players for this big-ticket game.
My Dream XI Team
Shai Hope, Nicolas Pooran, David Warner (C), Usman Khawaja, Shimron Hetmyer, Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell (VC), Jason Holder, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Oshane Thomas
